Asenovgrad (population: 41.000) is a town in southern Bulgaria, located at the foothills of the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, only 19 km away from the second biggest Bulgarian city – Plovdiv. Asenovgrad is 165 km away from the capital Sofia, 410 km from the biggest city on the sea coast – Varna and 280 km from Bourgas – the biggest Bulgarian port on the Black Sea. Plovdiv airport (www.plovdivairport.com) is only 10 km away from the town and one of the top Bulgarian ski resorts - Pamporovo - is about 60 km deeper in the Rhodope Mountains. Asenovgrad was originally founded by the Thracians around 300-400 BC. Near Asenovgrad is situated a fortress, build in 9-th century, called later Asen's fortress. It is the pride and symbol of this town. There is a church perched on the fortress enclosure. Very close is another landmark of national significance – Bachkovo monastery – the second largest in Bulgaria.